Graham Smyth tips Charlie Cresswell for surprise Leeds United start against Swansea City
Graham Smyth has suggested that it is “possible” that Charlie Cresswell could make a surprise start for Leeds United against Swansea City on Wednesday 29 November.
The 21-year-old has only made one start for Daniel Farke’s side this season, all the way back in August against Birmingham City as he has fallen behind Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper in the defensive pecking order.
While some have suggested that Cresswell could be set to depart Elland Road on loan in the second half of the campaign, Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Smyth has suggested he could start against Swansea if Cooeper and Struijk aren’t fit to start.
Writing for the Yorkshire Evening Post (28 November) he said: “It’s possible that if Cooper has done himself another mischief – the captain went off holding the back of his leg at Rotherham – and Struijk isn’t quite ready to start yet, then Cresswell could find himself in the side in midweek against Swansea.”
Sink or swim
Should Cresswell start against Swansea on Wednesday, it would certainly be throwing the 21-year-old in the deep end given the lack of first-team football he has played throughout the season so far at Elland Road and the fact it has been suggested he could leave temporarily in January.
But should Cooper be ruled out after he hobbled off in the final minutes of the Whites’ draw with Rotherham last time out, Farke may have no other option than starting Cresswell, especially considering Struijk has only recently returned to training.
The Dutchman has been in inspired form in the opening months of the campaign, but could only start from the bench against the Millers after having an operation on a hernia. This clash with Cardiff may have come too quickly for Struijk to play the full 90 minutes.
In theory, Farke could start Ethan Ampadu at the heart of the Leeds United defence as he has played as a centre-back in the past. If the German opts to play somebody out of position instead of Cresswell, it could be a huge indicator of just where the 21-year-old is in the Leeds’ pecking order.
There is every chance that both Cooper and Struijk will be fully fit and Cresswell won’t even be included in the matchday squad.
In other Leeds United news, Ilia Gruev could force his way out of Elland Road if he continues to be snubbed by Farke